LBZ: PullRite SuperGlide 16K or 18K questions????

[306LBZ]

Im looking at putting a hitch in my LBZ(in sig) and using it for work in the near future but have some questions first. Im taking rough guesses here on weight but I know Im pretty close, I figure the couple year old 36' fifth wheel enclosed cargo trailer Ill be using will be approx. 5000LBS(am I sounding way off). I believe its a tandem axle but single wheels not dual. The stock ill be hauling around in it will be anywhere from 5000LBS to maybe 7000LBS max (again im guessing) the stock will be Potato Chips. Haha no seriously chips are light but they still add up. Ill be using this unit on a 4-5 day a week basis driving on half highway half $#!tty back grid roads. I wont be abusing it on purpose but there is some rough roads that are unavoidable and everyday is a race to the end. I dont want to be braking things and having down time because of my decision. My question is can I get away with and will I be fine with the 16K?

PullRite SuperGlide Part #'s are 4100 and 4400 for the hitches 3345 for the rail kit.

[306LBZ]

I guess what Im really trying to find an answer to is , is this hitch durable enough to be used for "commercial" use everyday and hold up without major issue?

anyone have experience with this particular unit?

[306LBZ]

Ok well no answers for that question hey? ok then Can anyone tell me what all I need to install this set up? I know you need the hitch and rail/mounting kit but does the capture plate that bolts on to the fifthwheel come with either piece and is it actually needed?

[Tom S.]

I haven't used the Pullrite glider as I have a long bed. However, all of the fifth wheel hitches sold are made to last a lifetime of use. The manufacturer has no idea whether the person buying pulls trailer once a year of full time, so they have to make them to meet the full time end of the spectrum.

Besides the hitch, you should consider mounting a receptacle in the sidewall of the bed to plug the trailer into as hanging the cord over the tailgate will eventually wear off paint. And if your truck doesn't already have one, you'll need a brake controller. Lastly, consider getting a bed saver. This is a device that keeps the trailer from falling (and crushing) on your bed if it comes unhooked for some reason. There are a couple out there, and they all serve the purpose. One is a rod that mounts behind the pin after hooking up. If the pin comes unhitched, the rod keeps it from pulling back from the receiver. The brand "Bed Saver" from Blue Ox is passive in that once mounted, you don't have to do anything else. It catches the pin if it comes out and contains it.

Installation is fairly straight forward, but you will need basic tools including drill and bits. Depending on the brand hitch you chose, you may have to raise the bed up a few inches (temporarily) to mount the side rails.

[306LBZ]

Thanks for the info some of that I was assuming but its good to hear someone elses thoughts.

Now I just need to find out what all I need to buy to make this work with the soon to be mine trailer. Im not finding the info on their site for the capture plate if it comes with the hitch or rail kit or not... Hmmm.....

[moss6]

As for durability the Pullrite is about as HD as it gets; you should never have any issues with it as long as you keep it clean and lubed. The new ones with the Teflon likely don't even need that much attention. I've had one through two trucks and 3 fifth wheels with zero problems other than having to replace a tilt spring which does not keep the hitch from being used of functional. As for 16 or 18k, I haven't looked at pricing but I seem to recall the price being about the same so why not go for the extra capacity in case the need arises. Too much doesn't hurt---too little does. So nice to never have to worry about cab/trailer kiss. Make sure you provide good bed to underside of trailer clearance, especially if you are prone to going where things get very uneven (same with all 5th hitches).
Luck

[306LBZ]

Good to hear that and ya I decided to go with the 18K already but have a new dilema...

I need to figure out which capture plate Ill need to use with my trailer , Im thinking it will need to be welded on but if someone can help me out with this now it would be appreciated. Here are some pics to see what Im dealing with...

[moss6]

Call Pullrite for the plate, they are very very helpful. Personal preference is drill and tap for bugle head machine screws (or in your case with that hitch bugle head machine screws with nuts because you have top access). That way if you sell the trailer the plate is easy to remove.

[306LBZ]

I did call pullrite he said to email pics of what I meant but still havent heard back. Figured some experienced guys on here would give me a little knowledge incase my message is somehow lost in trasit. Is the purpose of the capture plate solely to alignt the hitch for hookup and lock the hitch from turning to induce the mechanism for the sliding function? and if so I suppose a universal one could be either welded or better yet as you suggest drilled and bolted on?

[moss6]

Has nothing to do (well maybe a tad if off centered) with alignment. It is what makes the slide move backwards and forwards when turning. I'd guess the uni will be it but with you hitch likely any would work if they have a dimension from king pin to front of plate close to what you have. Critical here is that the plate needs something above it close to the nose so that it won't bend when hitching. Hope that makes sense.